The sole reason I am aware of for using a tandem design, where the rules permit, is to minimize the wing loading on a model where the class has a minimum weight. I have only seen tandem designs on indoor duration stick models.

In theory this minimum wing loading should produce the maximum flight duration. Of course you still have to optimize the prop configuration, the rubber motor size (and type) and the winding.

In addition, the aspect ratio and the camber of the two wings need to be optimized.

It seems to pay off as the current AMA A-6 record is held by Bill Gowen who flies a tandem design. I think the plans for his tandem A-6 are available on the HPA Plan Gallery.

My understanding is that a tandem stick model is more difficult to trim that a stick model with a conventional tractor configuration where the stab area is noticeably smaller than the wing area. Optimizing the CG location and the static margin can apparently become tricky issues with a tandem.

The sole reason I am aware of for using a tandem design, where the rules permit, is to minimize the wing loading on a model where the class has a minimum weight. I have only seen tandem designs on indoor duration stick models.

In theory this minimum wing loading should produce the maximum flight duration. Of course you still have to optimize the prop configuration, the rubber motor size (and type) and the winding.

In addition, the aspect ratio and the camber of the two wings need to be optimized.

It seems to pay off as the current AMA A-6 record is held by Bill Gowen who flies a tandem design. I think the plans for his tandem A-6 are available on the HPA Plan Gallery.

My understanding is that a tandem stick model is more difficult to trim that a stick model with a conventional tractor configuration where the stab area is noticeably smaller than the wing area. Optimizing the CG location and the static margin can apparently become tricky issues with a tandem.

Don Slusarczyk currently has the Cat 2 AMA record - also with a tandem.